A Year Round Guide to Viewing the Natural Wonders of Angus (Pdf)
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
NA year rouand guitde tuo viewirng thae natulral woAnders of nAngus gus NA year rouand guitde touviewinrg theanaturlal wonAders of nAngus gus January February March April May June July August September October November December ANGUS is an area of ecological contrasts AAbebe rrdeedee n Dee Remnants of the last ice age the Cairngorm Dee BBanchoryanchory Mountain Range stretch east towards the stunning BBraemarraemar coastline and North Sea, separated by some of ee Scotland’s most beautiful, rolling, fertile “straths” D or valleys. The rivers North and South Esk flow Balmoral Forest for over 30 miles through the countryside CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK SStonehaventonehaven creating a range of wetland habitats, finally arriving ANGUS GLENS GL DDrumlithierumlithie TTaarfsiderfside EN at the North Sea where one of Scotland’s most ES G K L unique estuaries, Montrose Basin, can be found. EN D O L GL N This varied landscape, home to a unique range of L CClovalova EN o G LE r FFettercairnettercairn G THN th L L G OT E E E L s LLaurencekirkaurencekirk habitats, allows some of the UK’s most N N E k P N W I R e A SSpittalpittal ofof S C s r O L t spectacular wildlife species to thrive. d L S O W l GGlensheelenshee A E e N V at EEdzelldzell A er Some of Scotland’s most recognisable species ANGUS such as the red squirrel, scottish wild cat, golden BACKWATER Brrechiechi n RESERVOIR So eagle, pine marten, red deer, adder and otter to ut Isl h TTaannnadicenadice name but a few can all be found in Angus. Lesser a Esk MMontont rrosos e known species perhaps synonymous with the KKirriemuirirriemuir area, often held close to the heart of anyone FFoo rrfafa r Lunan Bay lucky enough to reside in the area are what FFriockheimriockheim AAlythlyth makes a visit to Angus to view wildlife LLethametham GGlamislamis Inverness memorable. MMeigleeigle Abe rdeen There is a wealth of biodiversity to be explored in AArbrb rroatoat h Angus at any time of year. The protection and Tay Edinburgh Glasgow enjoyment of our unique biodiversity is central to CCarnoustiearnoustie the aims of many local and national organisations DDundeeundee MMonifiethonifieth and there is always something taking place in y A a lm T N which you can take part if you are keen to play a ond role in protecting Angus’s natural heritage. PPee rrtt h This publication aims to highlight the wealth of St Andrews Bay wildlife in the Angus area, the best month to view Earn en SStt AAndnd rrewew s particular habitats and which species you are most Ed likely to see in each month. Hopefully it will inspire you to explore the Angus area and be a London real incentive to come back time and time again. Grey seals What to look out for... A new year begins in Angus as the old one left us – bright clear days January and a wealth of wildlife to be found in all corners of the region. Wildlife is particularly abundant on the 50 mile stretch of beautiful coastline this month. Estuaries teem with migrant wildfowl - keep an eye out for geese species in their thousands and waders such as golden plover, oystercatcher and curlew. On rocky headlands take time to explore colourful rockpools, while exploring you may be lucky enough to see a curious grey seal or two. Listen to the sounds of rafts of wildfowl such as wigeon, golden eye, and scoters as they relax on the water between foraging bouts. Habitat hotspot: Rockpools Seaweed Golden Plover Limpet 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 What’s on this month The “RSPB Big Garden Watch” is the world’s biggest bird survey, providing a snapshot of UK bird numbers and distribution each winter. See www.rspb.org.uk for more information. Photo opportunity Get out your camera and long lens this month and head down to Montrose Basin and the surrounding coastline for some close up shots Rock Arch, Auchmithie of waders and wildfowl. See www.swt.org.uk for more information. Did you know? Rocky shores and rock pools in particular are tiny ecosystems in their own right. Conditions are harsh for inhabitants like sea anemones, starfishes, chitons, crabs One thing to do this month seaweeds and mussels as they are exposed to huge waves, strong currents, exposure If out exploring a stretch of coastline this month why not to midday sun and a range of terrestrial and marine predators. Always put creatures consider adopting your own stretch of beach to look after? back where you found them and remember to never prise a limpet from its rock as it See www.adoptabeach.org.uk for more information. will never be able to reattach itself and will unfortunately die. See www.open2.net/coast for more information. Glen Clova What to look out for... Snow on the peaks of the many Angus Glens which make up the southern range of the Cairngorms are a glittering jewel waiting to be February explored this month. Native Scots pines’ reddish bark add a splash of colour and species like alder line upland water ways, adorned with many species of extravagant lichen. Some of our most spectacular upland birds the raven and golden eagle are displaying for their mates this month and you may just be lucky enough to see these breathtaking, soaring displays. In upland pine woods keep an eye out for some elusive natives such as the scottish crossbill who may be seen foraging for winter seeds and berries and if very lucky the agile pine marten. Raven Scots pine Pine Marten Habitat hotspot: Montane 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 What’s on this month This month sees “National Nest Box Week”. Ever built a nest box before? Why not give it a go this year. You can provide homes for species ranging from blue tits to barn owls. See www.bto.org for more information. Photo opportunity The peaks of the Angus Glens may be crowned with a layer of shimmering snow at this time of year providing opportunities for some spectacular panoramic shots. See www.angusglens.co.uk for more information. Golden eagle Did you know? A 2003 national survey, co-coordinated by the RSPB and raptor study groups across Scotland found that the Scottish Golden Eagle population remains stable and healthy, One thing to do this month 442 pairs were located, a slight increase overall on the previous survey in 1992. Remember to keep feeding garden birds at this time of year, However, a decline in the eastern Highlands was noted, although there is much it’s crucial that birds about to breed manage to build up their suitable habitat on grouse moors remaining unoccupied. The Tayside Raptor Study energy reserves. Why not make your own feeder. See Group monitor Angus’s raptors and help with this crucial conservation work. See www.rspb.org.uk for more information. www.scottishraptorgroups.org for more information. March What to look out for... The first hints of spring are visible this month particularly along the river banks of Angus’s many water ways. The majestic willow in all its glory with catkins provides one of the first signs of spring. Our two largest rivers the North Esk & South Esk, not to mention many of their tributaries, are home to riparian species such as otters, heron and the hardy dipper. March is a good time of year to spot an otter on the rivers or at a country loch if you rise with the sunrise. Ponds and burns edged by primrose, lesser celandine and butterbur are now being inspected by frogs and toads that are on the move looking for a safe spot to lay their spawn. Many waterway bird species are establishing their territories this month; look out for grey wagtails and the elusive kingfisher. Habitat hotspot: Riverbanks, ponds, streams What’s on this month Why not preorder a copy of the Angus Council Rangers service Annual Events programme this month and plan your wildlife activities for the year ahead. See www.angus.gov.uk/sportscountryside for more information. One thing to do this month Why not plant wildflowers like clustered bellflower, common knapweed, field scabious and yarrow for butterflies and bees to enjoy later in the summer months. See www.butterflygarden.co.uk for more information. Kingfisher © AD Johnson Photo opportunity Why not visit the rivers North or South Esk at various points in their journey to the coast. Varying photo opportunities will be evident high in the glens where they begin their journey, through rural Angus towns like Edzell and Brechin and where they form estuaries at the town of Montrose. See www.fishesks.co.uk for more information about the rivers. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Did you know? River North Esk Angus is home to three beautiful country parks which are open to the public all year round. Crombie Country Park is home to Crombie Loch as well as broadleaf and conifer woodlands. There are a range of activities on site including Ranger-led activities for all ages, orienteering courses and self-guided trails. Monikie Country Park, with its reservoirs, woodland and parkland, is an ideal location for a visit to the countryside.